History of Boston, Massachusetts, USA

1625 - Boston is settled
In 1625, the settlement of Boston marked the beginning of a significant chapter in American colonial history. Located in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Boston was founded by English Puritans seeking religious freedom. Led by John Winthrop, the Puritans arrived aboard the ship Arbella and established a community based on their strict religious beliefs. Boston quickly grew into a thriving port town, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.

The settlement of Boston had profound impacts on the development of the American colonies. It became a center for Puritan culture and played a crucial role in the shaping of early American identity.
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1630 - Boston is incorporated
The Puritans settled in Massachusetts and the town of Boston was founded by John Winthrop as an extension of the colony at Salem. (www.virtualnorfolk.org)

March 22 - 1st colonial legislation prohibiting gambling enacted (Boston)

September 16 - Mass village of Shawmut changes name to Boston

October 19 - In Boston the 1st general court is held

historyorb.com

Read more about John WINTHROP

1632 - Boston made capital of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
In 1632, the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a Puritan settlement in the New World, made a significant decision by establishing Boston as its capital. This move consolidated the colony's administrative and political center, marking Boston as the focal point of governance and culture within the colony. Boston's strategic location along the Massachusetts Bay made it an ideal choice for the capital, providing access to trade routes and serving as a hub for colonial activities.

The decision to designate Boston as the capital also reflected the city's growing importance within the colony. As one of the earliest settlements in the region, Boston had already begun to emerge as a major economic and cultural center, attracting settlers and businesses alike.

1634 - Boston Common first public park in U.S.
In 1634, the establishment of Boston Common marked a significant moment in American history, as it became the first public park in the United States. This event reflected the early settlers' commitment to creating a space for communal use and recreation in the growing colonial town of Boston. Originally used as a shared pasture for livestock, Boston Common evolved over the centuries to become a central gathering place for political gatherings, celebrations, and public events.

The creation of Boston Common underscored the importance of public spaces in colonial society, providing a physical symbol of the community's shared values and commitment to civic life.

1635 - The first American public secondary school, Boston Latin Grammar School, founded in Boston.
In 1635, the Boston Latin Grammar School was founded in Boston, marking the establishment of the first public secondary school in the American colonies. This event was significant as it laid the foundation for public education in America, setting a precedent for the importance of providing education to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic background. The school's curriculum was based on classical studies, including Latin, Greek, and classical literature, reflecting the emphasis on classical education during that period.

The establishment of the Boston Latin Grammar School was a pivotal moment in the history of education in America, as it demonstrated the early colonists' commitment to education and the belief that an educated populace was essential for the success and prosperity of the colony. The school's founding also reflected the influence of European educational practices, particularly those of England, from which many of the early colonists had... Read MORE...

1635 - Great Colonial Hurricane hits New England in August
The eye passed between Boston and Plymouth, Mass., and caused a twenty-foot tide in Boston. Gov. William Bradford reported, "It blew down many hundred, thousands of trees," and many houses.
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Read more about William BRADFORD

1639 - First Post Office
First Post Office in U.S. established in Boston at Richard Fairbanks' tavern.
www.worldatlas.com/webimage/ countrys/namerica/usstates/matimeln.htm

Read more about Richard FAIRBANKS

In Boston, 1641, the first rope was made.

Newburgh Daily Journal
Newburgh, New York
June 13, 1893

1644 - January 18 - Perplexed Pilgrims in Boston reported America's 1st UFO sighting
"...Massachusetts Bay Colony founder John Winthrop detailed instances of unidentified flying objects in the heavens above seventeenth-century Boston in the first recorded UFO sightings in America.

On March 1, 1639, John Winthrop opened his diary in which he recorded the trials and triumphs of his fellow Puritans as they made a new life in a new land. As the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony put pen to paper, he began to recount a most unusual event that had recently caused a stir among the English immigrants.

Winthrop wrote that earlier in the year James Everell, “a sober, discreet man,” and two others had been rowing a boat in the Muddy River, which flowed through swampland and emptied into a tidal basin in the Charles River, when they saw a great light in the nighttime sky. “When it stood still, it flamed up, and was about three yards square,” the governor reported, “when it ran, it was contracted into the figure of a swine.” Over the course of two to three hours, the... Read MORE...


Read more about John WINTHROP

1650 - Unsuccessful Meeting
September 1: Father Gabriel Druillettes (1610-1681) departed Quebec for Boston to establish an alliance with New England against the Iroquois, but he was unsuccessful.

www.many-roads.com/2010/04/20/ a-history-of-french-canada-1650-to-1669/

1652 - In Boston, John Hull opens the 1st mint in America
In 1652, John Hull, a prominent businessman in Boston, opened the first mint in America. This event marked a significant moment in American colonial history, as it established a formalized system for producing coinage in the New World. Prior to this, colonists primarily relied on bartering and foreign coins for transactions, which could be cumbersome and inefficient.

Hull's mint initially produced the Massachusetts Bay Colony's own coinage, known as the "Pine Tree Shilling" due to the distinctive design featuring a pine tree on one side. These coins were minted in silver and became widely accepted throughout the colony, helping to standardize the local economy.
historyorb.com
June 10, 1652

1656 - July 1 - 1st Quakers (Mary Fisher and Ann Austin) arrive in Boston (arrested)
In 1656, two Quaker women, Mary Fisher and Ann Austin, arrived in Boston, marking the first known presence of Quakers in the city. Their arrival was met with hostility from the Puritan authorities who viewed Quaker beliefs as heretical and a threat to their established religious order. Fisher and Austin were immediately arrested upon arrival.

The Puritan authorities' response to the Quaker presence was severe. Quakers faced persecution and were often subjected to harsh punishments, including imprisonment, whipping, and banishment. Despite the persecution, Quakers continued to spread their beliefs, leading to further clashes with the authorities.
historyorb.com
July 1, 1656

1673 - January 22 - Postal service between New York & Boston inaugurated
"In 1673, Governor Francis Lovelace of New York set up a monthly post between New York and Boston. The service was short-lived, but the post rider’s trail became known as the Old Boston Post Road, part of today’s U.S. Route 1..."
about.usps.com
January 22, 1673

1690 - First Newspaper Issued in America
The first [newspaper] issued in America was published in Boston in September, 1690. It was printed on three pages seven by eleven inches square, on a folded sheet, and was entitled "Public Occurrences both Foreign and Domestic." The editor said of it "It is designed that the country shall be furnished once a month (or if any glut of occurrences happen, oftener) with an account of such considerable things as have arrived unto our notice." And he gave warning in his first number that his paper should be the vehicle for exposing slanderers and false reporters, saying: "It is supposed that none will dislike this proposal, but such as intend to be guilty of so villainous a crime." Only one number of this newspaper was published.
colonialwarsct.org/1755.htm

1699 - December 10 - A severe ice storm hit Boston, MA, causing much damage to orchards.

The Weather Channel

1704 - The first regularly issued American newspaper, The Boston News-Letter, published in Boston.

In 1704, a significant milestone in American journalism was achieved with the publication of the first regularly issued newspaper in America, The Boston News-Letter. Published in Boston, this newspaper marked the beginning of a new era in communication and information dissemination in the American colonies. The News-Letter was a weekly publication, providing news, advertisements, and various articles to the colonial populace. Its establishment laid the foundation for the development of the American newspaper industry, which would grow and evolve significantly over the centuries to come.

The Boston News-Letter played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and disseminating news of local events, as well as news from Europe and other parts of the world. It also served as a platform for political commentary and debate, reflecting the growing political consciousness and activism among the colonial population.
www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html

1706 - Benjamin Franklin born January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

January 17, 1706

Read more about Benjamin FRANKLIN

1716 - First lighthouse in America, "The Boston Light" built in Boston Harbor
In 1716, the first lighthouse in America, known as "The Boston Light," was constructed on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The lighthouse was built to help guide ships safely into the busy harbor, which was a crucial hub for trade and commerce in colonial America. The Boston Light was a simple structure, consisting of a stone tower with a lantern room at the top, housing a large oil lamp that was lit at night to serve as a beacon for sailors.

The construction of the Boston Light marked an important development in maritime navigation in America, as it was the first of its kind in the country. The lighthouse not only helped ships navigate safely into Boston Harbor but also served as a symbol of the growing importance of maritime trade and navigation in the American colonies. Over the years, the Boston Light underwent several renovations and upgrades to improve its effectiveness, and it continues to operate to this day, making it the oldest continuously... Read MORE...

1717 - THE GREAT SNOW OF 1717
Four successive snowstorms-two of them minor, two of them of major proportions-fell within a ten-day interval (February 27th through March 7th), and left a snowfall estimated to be somewhere between three and four feet across much of New England. On the Post Road leading to New Hampshire and Maine, five feet of snow, with drifts of up to fourteen feet, was reported. Wrote Cotton Mather: "As mighty a snow, as perhaps has been known in the memory of man, is at this time lying on the ground." There were no Sabbath services for two weeks at Mather’s church in downtown Boston, and in Framingham, Massachusetts, no public meetings could be held until the end of March. Mather composed a detailed account of the great snow, which was then sent to London for reading before the Royal Society. Later, this account appeared in one of the first publications of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Top ELEVEN Most Memorable Weather Events
Farmers' Almanac
www.farmersalmanac.com/ weather/ 2007/ ... Read MORE...

1733 - July 30 - Society of Freemasons opens 1st American lodge in Boston
On July 30, 1733, a significant event occurred in the history of Freemasonry in America: the opening of the first American lodge in Boston, Massachusetts. The Society of Freemasons, a fraternal organization with roots tracing back to medieval stonemasons' guilds, established its presence in the New World with this inaugural lodge. Freemasonry was already well-established in Europe, but this event marked its formal introduction to the American colonies.

The opening of the first American lodge in Boston was a pivotal moment for Freemasonry's expansion and influence in the colonies. It provided a meeting place for like-minded individuals interested in the fraternity's teachings, rituals, and moral philosophy. Over time, Freemasonry would spread throughout the colonies, playing a significant role in the development of American society and culture, with many of the Founding Fathers and influential figures of the time being members of the fraternity.
historyorb.com
July 30, 1733

1735 - August 18 - Evening Post begins publishing (Boston, Mass)
On August 18, 1735, the Evening Post began publishing in Boston, Massachusetts, marking a significant development in the history of American journalism. As one of the earliest newspapers in the American colonies, the Evening Post played a crucial role in disseminating news and information to the local population. At the time of its founding, Boston was a bustling colonial town, and the Evening Post provided a platform for residents to stay informed about local events, politics, and important happenings in the community.
onthisday.com
August 18, 1735

1761 - First regular U.S. stagecoach run is begun, from Boston to Portsmouth, New Hampshire
In 1761, a significant transportation milestone was achieved in the United States with the inauguration of the first regular stagecoach service. This service connected the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts, with Portsmouth, New Hampshire, marking the beginning of a new era in travel and communication between these two important colonial towns. The stagecoach run provided a reliable and relatively fast mode of transportation compared to earlier methods, such as horseback riding or walking, which were much slower and less comfortable.
The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

1770 - March 5 - Boston Massacre
Tensions between the American colonists and the British were already running high in the early spring of 1770. Late in the afternoon, on March 5, a crowd of jeering Bostonians slinging snowballs gathered around a small group of British soldiers guarding the Boston Customs House. The soldiers became enraged after one of them had been hit, and they fired into the crowd, even though they were under orders not to fire. Five colonists were shot and killed.

The first person who was hit when the British soldiers began firing was an African American sailor named Crispus Attucks... Of the five civilians who died in the Boston Massacre, Attucks is the only one who became widely known, and he became the first hero of the American Revolution.

www.americaslibrary.gov
March 5, 1770

1773 - December 16 - Boston Tea Party
Angry and frustrated at a new tax on tea, American colonists calling themselves the Sons of Liberty and disguised as Mohawk Native Americans boarded three British ships (the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver) and dumped 342 whole crates of British tea into Boston harbor on December 16, 1773. Similar incidents occurred in Maryland, New York, and New Jersey in the next few months, and tea was eventually boycotted throughout the colonies.

www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/bostonteapartydef.htm
December 16, 1773

1774 - June 1 - Boston Port Bill: British government orders Port of Boston closed
In 1774, tensions between the American colonies and the British government were escalating. In response to the Boston Tea Party of 1773, where colonists protested against British taxation by dumping tea into the harbor, the British government passed a series of punitive measures known as the Coercive Acts, or Intolerable Acts, aimed at restoring order in Massachusetts. One of these acts, the Boston Port Act, ordered the closure of the port of Boston until the East India Company was compensated for the destroyed tea.

The closure of the port had a significant impact on the people of Boston, as it effectively cut off their trade and source of livelihood. This act was seen as a direct attack on the rights and freedoms of the colonists, further fueling the growing discontent with British rule. The Boston Port Act was one of the key events that led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War the following year, as it united the colonies in their resistance against British... Read MORE...

1775 - April 20 - British begin siege of Boston
In April 1775, tensions between the American colonies and the British government reached a boiling point, leading to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. One of the pivotal moments occurred on April 19, when British troops clashed with colonial militia in the battles of Lexington and Concord. The skirmishes marked the beginning of open hostilities between the two sides.

Following these engagements, British forces, under the command of General Thomas Gage, retreated to Boston, where they were effectively besieged by colonial forces. The siege of Boston began on April 20, 1775, as American militia surrounded the city and cut off British supply lines. The siege lasted for nearly a year, during which time both sides fortified their positions and engaged in occasional skirmishes.
historyorb.com
April 20, 1775

1775 - June 17 - Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War (1775-83), the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the enemy, and the battle provided them with an important confidence boost. Although commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill.
www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill
June 17, 1775

1776 - March 17 - British, Get Out!
Colonial troops force British to evacuate Boston.
March 17, 1776

1795 - State House built in Boston
The construction of the State House in Boston in 1795 marked a significant moment in the city's history and the broader context of American democracy. Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, the State House became a symbol of the young nation's commitment to democratic ideals and the establishment of government institutions. The building's neoclassical architecture reflected the influence of ancient Greek and Roman styles, symbolizing the republic's roots in classical democracy.

The State House quickly became a center of political activity and government functions in Massachusetts. It housed the state legislature, the governor's offices, and other state officials, serving as the hub of state government operations.

1797 - October 21 - The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, nicknames Old Ironsides, launches from Boston.
On October 21, 1797, the USS Constitution, a U.S. Navy frigate, was launched from Boston, Massachusetts. This event marked a significant milestone in American naval history, as the Constitution would go on to become one of the most famous ships in the U.S. Navy's early years. The ship earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812, when it seemed to withstand cannon fire due to its sturdy construction and thick wooden hull.

The Constitution played a crucial role in several naval engagements, including victories against British warships. Its most famous battle occurred in 1812 when, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, it defeated the British warship HMS Guerriere. This victory boosted American morale and demonstrated the capabilities of the young U.S. Navy. Today, the USS Constitution is a museum ship, symbolizing both the early days of the U.S. Navy and the strength of American naval tradition.
independentsentinel.com

1806 - First Church Built by Free Blacks
The first church built by free blacks in America, the African Meeting House, opened on Joy Street in Boston.

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html

1806 - June 16 - A total eclipse of the sun was viewed from southern California to Massachusetts.
WeatherForYou.com

Extract of a letter from Boston, June 16th.
"The long expected Solar Eclipse has completely engrossed the attention of all orders and conditions of people. The tops of the houses, and every accessible eminence, were occupied by immense numbers of spectators anxiously awaiting to behold this rare and interesting phenomenon. The progress of this curious spectacle was watched with the most vigilant attention by gentlemen of science, assisted by instruments adapted to the purpose. I have no doubt the result of their observations will confirm the accuracy of the calculations which have been made of this great eclipse. At the moment of complete obscuration, the sky was involved in darkness, and a number of stars appeared, shining with vivid light. The day was uncommonly calm and serene, and not a cloud for a single moment obscured the sight."
The Evening Post
New York, New York
June 21, 1806

1822 - Boston is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1829 - October 16 - Tremont Hotel, 1st US modern hotel opens (Boston)
On October 16, 1829, the Tremont Hotel opened its doors in Boston, marking a significant moment in American hospitality history as the first modern hotel in the United States. Located at the corner of Tremont and Beacon Streets, the hotel quickly became a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the bustling city. The Tremont Hotel was a grand establishment, boasting 170 rooms, each furnished elegantly with luxurious amenities that were unprecedented at the time.

The opening of the Tremont Hotel revolutionized the concept of lodging in the United States, setting a new standard for hotels across the country. It introduced many innovations that would later become standard in the hospitality industry, such as private rooms with keys, indoor plumbing, and bellboys to assist guests with their luggage. The Tremont Hotel quickly became a popular destination for travelers and locals alike, attracting guests with its lavish accommodations and impeccable service.
historyorb.com
October 16, 1829

1831 - January 1 - First Abolitionist Newspaper
The first abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, published in Boston by William Lloyd Garrison

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html
January 1, 1831

Read more about William Lloyd GARRISON

1832 - The New England Anti-Slavery Society in Boston was formed. The society helped slaves escape to Canada.
In 1832, amid the escalating tensions over slavery in the United States, the New England Anti-Slavery Society was established in Boston, Massachusetts. This society was part of a growing abolitionist movement that sought to end the institution of slavery throughout the country. Led by prominent activists such as William Lloyd Garrison, the society aimed to promote anti-slavery sentiment through education, publications, and political advocacy.

One of the key activities of the New England Anti-Slavery Society was aiding enslaved individuals in their escape to Canada, where slavery was abolished. The society provided support and resources to help these individuals navigate the perilous journey to freedom, often facing significant risks along the way.
virtualnorfolk.org

1837 - June 11 - The Broad Street Riot occurres in Boston, fueled by ethnic tensions between English-Americans and Irish-Americans.
The Broad Street Riot of June 11, 1837, in Boston was a significant event fueled by ethnic tensions between English-Americans and Irish-Americans. The riot erupted in response to a longstanding rivalry and animosity between the two groups, exacerbated by economic competition and cultural differences. The English, who were predominantly Protestant, often viewed the Irish, who were largely Catholic, as inferior and a threat to their jobs and way of life.

The immediate trigger for the riot was an incident at a funeral procession in which Irish mourners clashed with members of a fire company comprised of English-Americans. The altercation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation involving hundreds of people from both communities. The riot resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries, as well as widespread property damage.
historyorb.com
June 11, 1837

1839 - Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
County of Suffolk. The ancient city of Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, and of New England, and the birth place of American Freedom, is naturally divided into three sections—Old Boston, South Boston, and East Boston, situated at the western extremity of Massachusetts Bay. The peninsula on which Old Boston is built extends from Roxbury, on the south, to Winnesimet Ferry, on the north, and is nearly surrounded by the waters of Boston harbor on the east, and Charles river on the north and west. Its length is nearly three miles, and its average breadth about one mile. It originally contained about 700 acres, but its territory has been greatly extended, by filling up around its borders. Its surface is quite uneven. It has numerous eminences, rising from 50 to 110 feet above the sea, affording admirable sites for building, and giving to it a peculiarly romantic appearance. It is in north Lat. 42°21'23" and west Lon. 71°4'9". It lies 163 miles S.S.W. from Augusta, ... Read MORE...

1839 - March 23 – The Boston Morning Post first records the use of "OK" (oll korrect).
In 1839, the Boston Morning Post made a small yet significant notation in history by being the first to record the use of "OK," initially spelled as "oll korrect." This seemingly innocuous abbreviation would go on to become one of the most widely used and recognized terms in the English language. It is believed to have originated as a playful abbreviation of "all correct," a popular slang term of the time.

The use of "OK" spread rapidly, becoming a part of everyday language across the United States and eventually the world. Its simplicity and versatility allowed it to transcend its humble beginnings, evolving into a universally understood expression of agreement, approval, or confirmation. The Boston Morning Post's casual recording of this term marked the beginning of its journey to becoming one of the most iconic and enduring linguistic contributions of the 19th century.
March 23, 1839

1842 - November 17 - Fugitive slave George Latimer captured in Boston
On November 17, 1842, George Latimer, a fugitive slave, was captured in Boston, Massachusetts. His capture sparked a significant controversy and highlighted the tensions surrounding slavery in the United States at that time. Latimer had escaped enslavement in Virginia and made his way to Boston, where he found work and started a family. However, his former owner discovered his whereabouts and had him arrested under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, which allowed for the capture and return of escaped slaves.

Latimer's case became a cause célèbre in abolitionist circles, leading to protests and public outcry. Abolitionists, led by William Lloyd Garrison and others, rallied to Latimer's defense, arguing against his return to slavery. The case brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of public debate in Massachusetts and beyond, highlighting the moral and legal complexities of the institution. Ultimately, Latimer's case contributed to the growing anti-slavery sentiment in the North... Read MORE...

1845 - BOSTON. Inc. 1630. Population, in 1845. E. 115,000
The Indian name of Boston was Shawmut, which is said to mean a spring of water.
The first name given to it by the English was Tri-mountain or Tremont, which means three hills; but whether it was named from Beacon, Copps, and Fort hills, which are seen from the harbor, or from the three eminences of Beacon Hill, which were seen from Charlestown, is uncertain. All the hills, and particularly the eminences of Beacon Hill, have been partly levelled to make new land.

The name of Boston was adopted as a compliment to the first minister, Mr. Cotton, who came from Boston, in Lincolnshire, England.

The first permanent settlement was made July 6, 1630, by Governor Winthrop and a large company, including persons of wealth and distinction from England.

The old town was a peninsula, surrounded by water, except where it was attached to Roxbury by a narrow strip of land, just wide enough for a road, and called The Neck. South Boston and East Boston were afterwards... Read MORE...

1845 - Sewing Machine
Elias Howe invented sewing machine in Boston

Read more about Elias HOWE

1846 - Anesthesia
William T.G. Morton, a Boston dentist, first demonstrated the use of anesthesia in surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, using a specially designed glass inhaler containing an ether-soaked sponge.

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html

Read more about William Thomas Green MORTON

1846 - SCENE: A street in Boston.
Dramais Persona: Jonathan, a youth from the country visiting the city for the first time. Susan, his intended; both in rustic garbs; both eagerly devouring all the sights with their eyes, and large quantities of gingerbread and candy with their teeth.

"Jonathan (liquitor) - Didn't I tell you we'd have a good time in Boston."

"Susan (sucking a stick of molasses candy) - Yes; but you havn't tok me to the Museum yet."

"Jonathan - Why, that's a theatre place, Suke, and it costs twenty-five cents apiece! Theatres are bad places."

"Susan - never mind that, this once. Won't you go. Say yes."

"Jonathan - Waal, yes; if you won't ask me to buy any more candy for you, and if you won't go with Jim Meadows any more."

"Susan promises, grins, and sucks her molasses candy with great satisfaction. Exeunt, Indian file. - Yankee Nation."
genealogybank.com
Sun
Massachusetts
February 3, 1846

1851 - February 15 – In Boston, Massachusetts, members of the anti-slavery Boston Vigilance Committee rescue fugitive slave Shadrach Minkins from a courtroom following his arrest by U.S. marshals.
In 1851, on February 15th, a significant event unfolded in Boston, Massachusetts, reflecting the tensions surrounding slavery in the United States. Shadrach Minkins, a fugitive slave who had escaped from Virginia, was arrested by U.S. marshals under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which mandated the return of escaped slaves to their owners. However, upon learning of Minkins' arrest, members of the anti-slavery Boston Vigilance Committee sprang into action.

The committee, comprised of abolitionists and activists opposed to slavery, organized a daring rescue mission. They stormed the courtroom where Minkins was held, overwhelmed the marshals, and successfully liberated Minkins. This event was a bold act of defiance against the oppressive laws supporting slavery and demonstrated the growing resistance to such laws in the North. The rescue of Shadrach Minkins became a rallying cry for abolitionists and further fueled the national debate over slavery, highlighting the deep divisions... Read MORE...

1852 - March 20 – Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe was published in book form in Boston.
In 1852, the publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" marked a pivotal moment in American literature and the abolitionist movement. Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, the novel depicted the harsh realities of slavery in the United States, focusing on the life of Uncle Tom, a long-suffering African American slave. Originally serialized in an anti-slavery newspaper, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published in book form on March 20 in Boston, quickly becoming a bestseller and stirring heated debates across the country.

Stowe's vivid portrayal of the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery deeply resonated with readers, both in the North and South, sparking conversations about the morality of slavery and its impact on society. The novel's impact was profound, contributing to the growing anti-slavery sentiment in the North and fueling the abolitionist cause. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is credited with helping to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery and galvanizing support for its abolition, making it one... Read MORE...


Read more about Harriet Elizabeth BEECHER

1852 - December 29 - Emma Snodgrass arrested in Boston for wearing pants
On December 29, 1852, a peculiar event unfolded in Boston that highlighted the rigid gender norms of the era. Emma Snodgrass, a woman known for her progressive views and unconventional style, was arrested for wearing pants in public. This act was considered scandalous at the time, as it challenged the prevailing societal expectations of women's attire, which typically consisted of dresses or skirts.

Snodgrass's arrest sparked a debate about women's rights and the freedom to dress as they pleased. It drew attention to the restrictive nature of gender norms and the need for greater gender equality. Although the charges against Snodgrass were eventually dropped, the incident remained a symbol of the struggle for women's rights and the ongoing push for greater autonomy and freedom of expression.
historyorb.com
December 29, 1852

1854 - Boston
Boston, a city and seaport, seat of justice of Suffolk county, Massachusetts, and capital of the state, is situated at the western extremity of Massachusetts bay. By rail road, it is 464 miles N. E. from Washington ; 236 miles N. E. from New York ; 200 miles E. by S. from Albany ; 111 miles S. S. W. from Portland ; 43 miles N. N. E. from Providence ; 76 miles S. S. E. from Concord ; and 124 miles N. E. from Hartford. Lat. of the state house, 42° 21' 22" N., Ion. 71° 4' 9" W. The city consists of three parts, Boston Proper, East Boston, and South Boston. Boston Proper, or Old Boston, occupies a peninsula embracing about 700 acres; the surface is very uneven, and in three places rises into hills of considerable elevation, the highest being 138 feet above the level of the sea. A narrow isthmus, or "Neck," as it is called, a little more than a mile in length, joins the peninsula to the mainland of Roxbury on the south. This Neck, once overflowed by the tides, was the only passage to the... Read MORE...

1854 - March 20 – The Boston Public Library opens to the public.
On March 20, 1854, the Boston Public Library opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and intellectual life of the city. Founded just a few years earlier in 1848, the library was the first publicly supported municipal library in the United States, and its opening was met with great enthusiasm and excitement. The library was initially located in a room in the Adams School building in downtown Boston, with a collection of approximately 16,000 volumes.

The establishment of the Boston Public Library was a major step forward in providing free access to knowledge and education for all citizens, regardless of their background or social status. Over the years, the library's collection grew rapidly through donations and acquisitions, becoming one of the largest public library collections in the country.
March 20, 1854

1854 - The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...One or two very ludicrous scenes occurred on Warren bridge, Boston. A cartman, with a load of empty hogsheads, attempted to pass over into Charlestown, but when about midway, a gust of wind relieved him of half his number. A peddler followed, and the same ceremony was taken with a very large quantity of his tin ware; and strange to add, a second peddler, who had seen the fate of his brother tradesman, ventured to cross, but as profited not by others' experience, he learnt from his own that he had lost nearly half his load. The dock presented a beautiful mixture of floating kegs, tin kitchens, pans and pails.

Mr. J. E. P. Stevens, of the Tremont House, Boston, visited Lynn, with the intention of proceeding to Nahant, and started to cross the beach, where he found a perfect simoon prevailing, which threatened to bury horst and vehicle in the sand. The horse made but little progress, and finally turned his head towards Lynn, and aided by the wind, made the most astonishing time... Read MORE...

1856 - Boston Cream Pie is served for the first time (Omni Parker House)
In 1856, the iconic Boston Cream Pie made its debut at the Omni Parker House hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Created by the hotel's French chef, it was originally known as the Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie. This delectable dessert features two layers of sponge cake filled with a rich custard or cream filling and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. The dessert quickly became a favorite among guests and locals alike, earning a place in culinary history as the official dessert of Massachusetts in 1996.

1858 - August 2 - 1st mailboxes installed in Boston & NYC streets

historyorb.com
August 2, 1858

1863 - January 15 - 1st US newspaper printed on wood-pulp paper, Boston Morning Journal
In January 1863, the Boston Morning Journal made history by becoming the first newspaper in the United States to be printed on wood-pulp paper. This innovation marked a significant advancement in the newspaper industry, as wood-pulp paper was cheaper to produce and more readily available than the rag paper that had been traditionally used. The switch to wood-pulp paper allowed newspapers to increase their circulation and reach a wider audience, leading to a democratization of information dissemination.

The use of wood-pulp paper by the Boston Morning Journal also had broader implications for the newspaper industry as a whole. It set a precedent for other newspapers to adopt this more cost-effective printing method, leading to a transformation in the way newspapers were produced and distributed across the country.
historyorb.com
January 15, 1863

1863 - May 28 – American Civil War – The 54th Massachusetts, the first African-American regiment, leaves Boston to fight for the Union.
The Civil War marked a pivotal moment in American history, and the formation of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a significant milestone. The 54th was the first African-American regiment organized in the northern states during the war. Raised in the free states of the North, the regiment drew recruits from across the country, including free African Americans and escaped slaves eager to fight for their freedom and the cause of emancipation.

Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a young white officer, the 54th Massachusetts quickly gained a reputation for its discipline and bravery. Despite facing discrimination and unequal treatment, the soldiers of the 54th proved their valor on the battlefield. Their most famous engagement came during the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina on July 18, 1863. Though the assault ultimately failed, the 54th's courage in the face of heavy casualties inspired many and helped dispel doubts about the fighting abilities of African-American... Read MORE...

1872 - The Great Boston Fire.
The city of Boston, second commercial city in the United States, has, within the past thirty-six hours, been visited by one of the most extensive and destructive conflagrations which this country has ever witnessed, only inferior to the memorable Chicago fire in October, 1871, in the enormous magnitude of the loss. The Chicago fire desolated nearly the whole of that city, entailing a frightful loss of life, and every kind of public and private edifice--churches, court house, hotels, stores, factories, residences, cemeteries, theaters, railroad depots, &c., &c. The Boston fire of Saturday and Sunday last seems to have been confined mainly to the business portion of the city and the wholesale business establishments. Those familiar with the landmarks and localities of Boston will realize this fact by the enumeration of streets as reported by telegraph to have been swept by the fire, namely: Milk, Pearl, Devonshire, Federal, Franklin, Arch, Morton Place, Congress, Summer and Otis Place.... Read MORE...

1875 - First American Christmas Card
The first American Christmas card printed by Louis Prang in Boston.


In 1875, the first American Christmas card was created, marking a significant moment in the popularization of the holiday tradition. Designed by Louis Prang, a German immigrant known for his skill in color printing, the card featured a charming illustration of a family celebrating Christmas, surrounded by festive decorations. The card's design reflected the Victorian era's sentimentality and love for elaborate artwork, capturing the spirit of warmth and togetherness associated with the holiday season.

Prang's Christmas card was more than just a festive greeting; it was also a pioneering step in the development of the greeting card industry in the United States. The success of his card inspired others to create their own designs, leading to a boom in the production and exchange of Christmas cards across the country.
www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html

Read more about Louis PRANG

1876 - Telephone
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-born inventor, demonstrated his revolutionary invention, the telephone, for the first time in Boston. This event marked a significant moment in history, as it was the first practical demonstration of transmitting clear speech electronically. Bell had been working on the concept of transmitting sound by electricity for several years, and his successful demonstration was a culmination of his efforts.

During the demonstration, Bell famously spoke into the device to his assistant, Thomas Watson, who was in another room. Watson heard Bell's voice through the receiver, and this simple act showcased the potential of the telephone to connect people over long distances. The invention of the telephone revolutionized communication, leading to the establishment of the Bell Telephone Company and ultimately transforming the way people interacted and conducted business around the world.

Read more about Alexander Graham BELL

1884 - A LARGE FIRE IN BOSTON. RUBBER-WORKS DESTROYED ENTAILING A LOSS OF $500,000.
BOSTON, Mass., July 3 - The night watchman employed at the factory of the Revere Rubber Company, on Eastern-avenue, Chelsea, discovered flames, at 3 o'clock this morning, issuing from one of the dye-houses in the rear of the factory. Owing to a scarcity of water the firemen's efforts were of little avail, and the entire factory and connected buildings were speedily in flames, except the three store-houses. The buildings destroyed included the main factory, a four-story brick building 300 feet long, which covered between two and three acres, and was used for the manufacture of rubber goods and weaving of elastic fabrics. Between 400 and 500 hands were employed, and the factory was being run to its fullest capacity. It is thought the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 4, 1884

1885 - Men of Brains - Some of the Distinguished American Inventors
Benjamin Franklin, born at Boston, 1706; died in 1790; at twelve, printer's apprentice, fond of useful reading; twenty-seven to forty teaches himself Latin, etc., makes various useful improvements; at forty studies electricity; 1752 brings electricity from clouds by kite and invents the lightning rod.
The Daily Republican
Monogahela, Pennsylvania
January 20, 1885

Read more about Benjamin FRANKLIN

1888 - "The Great White Hurricane"
March 11-14, 1888
More than 120 winters have come and gone since the so-called "Great White Hurricane," but this whopper of a storm still lives in infamy. After a stretch of rainy but unseasonably mild weather, temperatures plunged and vicious winds kicked up, blanketing the East Coast in snow and creating drifts up to 50 feet high. The storm immobilized New York, Boston and other major cities, blocking roads and wiping out telephone, telegraph and rail service for several days. When the skies finally cleared, fires and flooding inflicted millions of dollars of damage. The disaster resulted in more than 400 deaths, including 200 in New York City alone. In the decade that followed, partly in response to the 1888 storm and the massive gridlock it wrought, New York and Boston broke ground on the country’s first underground subway systems.

www.history.com/ news/ history-lists/ major-blizzards-in-u-s-history

1888 - Genealogy
The Listener would not be understood to undervalue the study of genealogy, now followed by so many anxious to learn about the stock from which they spring. It is not only commendable, it is valuable, and its study has been long too delayed. The practical utility of the study is great. Our society is becoming more complex, and the influence of kinsmanship on property is felt more than when the population was small and the ties of consanguinity were readily ascertainable. That there is room for the study from the simple standpoint of the laudable desire to know about one's forbears is evident from the experience of census enumerators, may of whom found that no inconsiderable proportion of the people they called on could not tell where or when one parent was born, and often their ignorance extended to both.

Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
April 2, 1888

1888 - Women met at Boston on the 29th and nominated Miss Alice D. Stockton, of Wheaton, as candidate of the Equal Rights party for Governor of Massachusetts.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 3, 1888

Boston Massachusetts, 1890
BOSTON, the metropolis of New England, the capital of Massachusetts, and seat of justice for the county of Suffolk, lies at the western extremity, or head, of Massachusetts Bay, — 464 miles by rail northeast of Washington, 236 northeast of New York, and 105 southwest of Portland. The latitude of the State House is 42° 21' 30" north; and the longitude, 71° 3' 51" west.

It has Needham, Newton, Brookline, Watertown, Cambridge and Somerville on the west; Everett, Chelsea and Revere on the north; Winthrop, Massachusetts Bay, and Hull on the east; Hingham, Quincy, Milton, Hyde Park and Brookline on the south. Its area is 19,100½ acres.

The city of Boston, as it now exists, has been made up of numerous aggregations. The nucleus was, of course, the present North End. The settlement grew southward, expanding about Dock Square, thence extending around Fort Hill and the sides of Beacon Hill, then from the North End along the shore to the West End, with a lively little village at the South... Read MORE...

1893 - A great fire at Boston destroyed nearly $5,000,000 of property and several lives.
The Great Boston Fire of 1893 was a devastating event that occurred on November 9-10, 1893, in Boston, Massachusetts. The fire began in the basement of the five-story commercial building at 83-87 Summer Street and quickly spread due to strong winds and the city's predominantly wooden buildings. It raged for over 12 hours, destroying about 65 acres of the city, including 800 buildings and causing nearly $5,000,000 in damages.

The fire's impact was significant, as it destroyed many businesses and homes, leaving thousands homeless and several dead or injured. The Boston Fire Department, aided by fire departments from neighboring cities, struggled to contain the blaze. The fire led to improvements in Boston's firefighting capabilities, including the establishment of a fire alarm system and the construction of more fire-resistant buildings.
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, Volume 1894 Press Publishing Company. 1894

1895 - Boston
Boston, a city of the United States, capital of Massachusetts and of Suffolk co., on a bay called Boston Harbor, which forms the inner bight of Massachusetts Bay, at the mouth of the Charles and Mystic Rivers. Lat. 42° 21' 29.6" N.; lon. 71°3' 51" W. The original town stood upon a peninsula called by the Indians Shawmut, and by the settlers Tremont or Trimountain, from the three summits of a conspicuous hill, which, though now much reduced, is still prominent, and known as Beacon Hill. The city now includes the island of East Boston (Noddle's Island), and the peninsular suburbs of South Boston and Charlestown, besides the former towns of Dorchester, Roxbury (or Boston Highlands), West Roxbury, and Brighton, with their minor villages of Allston, Jamaica Plain, Neponset, Mattapan, &c. The cities of Quincy, Newton, Cambridge, Somervfile, and Chelsea are near suburbs, and there are many large towns (such as Milton, Dedham, Brookline, Watertown, and Everett) in close proximity. Great areas ... Read MORE...

1895 - Blizzard - THE STORM STILL HOVERS OVER THE UNITED STATES. IT IS SEVEREST IN THE EAST. TRAFFIC ALMOST ENTIRELY AT A STANDSTILL -- RAILROAD TRAINS BLOCKADED -- BUSINESS PARALYZED -- PEOPLE FROZEN TO DEATH AT SEVERAL PLACES...
...Severe All Over New England.
Boston, Feb. 9. - Reports from all over New England indicate that the storm is one of the most severe in years. Boston harbor is choked with drift ice, and shipping is at a standstill. Trains are blockaded throughout New England and much damage was done by unprecedented high tides along the coast...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Ohio
February 2, 1895

1897 - April 19 The first Boston Marathon is held, with fifteen men competing, and won by John McDermott.
On April 19, 1897, the first Boston Marathon took place, marking the inception of one of the world's most prestigious long-distance running events. The race was initiated by the Boston Athletic Association and featured fifteen male participants who took on the challenging 24.5-mile course. The start of the race was in Ashland, Massachusetts, and it finished at the Irvington Oval in Boston.

Among the fifteen competitors, John J. McDermott emerged victorious, becoming the first-ever champion of the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:55:10. His win set the stage for a tradition that has continued for over a century, evolving into a major event with thousands of participants from around the globe.
April 19, 1897

1897 - September 1 – The Boston subway opens, becoming the first underground metro in North America.
in 1897, at 6 am, over 100 people crowded onto the first train to travel through a tunnel under downtown Boston. More than 100,000 people would take the three-and-a-half minute trip that day. They were riding on the first subway line in the United States...
massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=254
September 1, 1897

1898 - Revolutionary Boston - Then and there American Independence was born by Edward Everett Hale
The American Revolution began in Boston. Different dates are set for the beginning. John Adams says of Otis's speech in 1761 in the Council Chamber of the Old State House, "Then and there American Independence was born." The visitor to Boston should go, very early in his visit, into the Old State House; and when he stands in the Council Chamber he will remember that as distinguished a person as John Adams fixed that place as the birthplace of independence.

But one does not understand the history of the opening of the great struggle without going back a whole generation. It was in 1745 that Governor William Shirley addressed the Massachusetts General Court in a secret session. He brought before them a plan which he had for the conquest of Louisburg in the next spring, before it could be reinforced from France. The General Court (which means the general assembly of Massachusetts) at first doubted the possibility of success of so bold an attempt; but eventually Shirley persuaded them... Read MORE...


Read more about Edward Everett HALE

1901 - King Camp Gillette and William Emery Nickerson invented the world's first disposable razor blade in 1901. (Boston)
King Camp Gillette (1855-1932) was an American businessman and inventor. He is best known for inventing the disposable safety razor, which revolutionized shaving and became an essential personal care product for people around the world.
Before Gillette's invention, shaving was typically done with straight razors or safety razors that required frequent sharpening or blade replacements, which was expensive and time-consuming. In 1895, while working as a salesman, Gillette came up with the idea of a disposable razor with a thin, replaceable blade that could be discarded when dull.

Gillette worked on developing his disposable razor concept and eventually filed a patent application for it in 1901. However, it wasn't until 1904 that he founded the American Safety Razor Company (later known as Gillette Company) to start manufacturing and selling his invention. The original Gillette razor had a simple design: a handle with a detachable razor blade that could be replaced with a new one... Read MORE...


Read more about King Camp GILLETTE

1903 - October 1-13 - First World Series
The 1903 World Series was a historic event in baseball, marking the first-ever championship series between the champions of the National League and the American League. The series took place from October 1 to October 13, 1903, and featured the Pittsburgh Pirates, the champions of the National League, against the Boston Americans (now known as the Red Sox), the champions of the American League. The best-of-nine series was played in a 2-3-2 format, with the first three games in Boston, the next three in Pittsburgh, and the final two (if necessary) back in Boston.

The series was closely contested, with both teams showcasing their talents. The Americans were led by star pitcher Cy Young, while the Pirates were powered by players like Honus Wagner. The series was tied 2-2 after four games, but the Americans won the next three games to take a commanding 5-2 lead. However, the Pirates mounted a comeback, winning the next two games to make it 5-3. In the decisive ninth game, the Americans... Read MORE...

1904 - May 5 - Pitching against the Philadelphia Athletics, Cy Young of the Boston Americans throws the first perfect game in the modern era of baseball.
On May 5, 1904, Cy Young, a pitcher for the Boston Americans, achieved a remarkable feat in baseball history by throwing the first perfect game in the modern era. Facing off against the Philadelphia Athletics, Young delivered a flawless performance, retiring all 27 batters he faced without a single one reaching base. This remarkable display of skill and precision cemented Young's legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

The term "perfect game" in baseball refers to a game in which a pitcher faces the minimum possible number of batters (27) and none of the opposing team's players reach base through any means, including hits, walks, or errors. Young's achievement was a testament to his incredible talent, as well as his ability to maintain focus and composure under immense pressure. His perfect game remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history and a testament to the skill and determination of one of the game's legendary players.
May 5, 1904

Read more about Denton True "Cy" YOUNG

1911 - July 4 - Temperature reached 104 degrees F in Boston, Massachusetts

The Weather Channel

1912 - April 20 – Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, opens.
On April 20, 1912, Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, opened its doors for the first time. It was built in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston and became the home of the Boston Red Sox, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The park was constructed under the ownership of John I. Taylor and was designed by architect James McLaughlin.

Fenway Park quickly became known for its unique features, most notably the "Green Monster," a high left-field wall that is still an iconic feature of the ballpark today. The opening game at Fenway Park was attended by over 27,000 fans, and the Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders (later known as the Yankees) in an 11-inning game. Fenway Park has since become a beloved landmark in Boston and a symbol of the city's rich baseball history.
April 20, 1912

1912 - The Baseball World Series won by Boston Red Sox
In 1912, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, marking their second championship victory in franchise history. The series, which took place from October 8 to October 16, featured the Red Sox facing off against the New York Giants. The Red Sox had a strong season, finishing with a record of 105-47, while the Giants finished with a record of 103-48, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

The series is perhaps most famous for the dramatic Game 8, which went to extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth inning, with the score tied 2-2, Boston's Clyde Engle hit a routine ground ball to New York's Fred Merkle, who failed to touch second base on what should have been a game-ending force play. This allowed the winning run to score, giving the Red Sox a 3-2 victory in the game and securing their championship win. The 1912 World Series is remembered as one of the most thrilling and closely contested in baseball history.

1914 - July 11 – Baseball legend Babe Ruth makes his major league debut with the Red Sox.
On July 11, 1914, the baseball world witnessed the debut of a legend as Babe Ruth made his first appearance in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. Ruth, a young pitcher at the time, quickly caught the attention of fans and scouts alike with his remarkable talent on the mound. His debut marked the beginning of a storied career that would forever change the game of baseball.

Ruth's impact was felt immediately, as he showcased his pitching prowess and helped lead the Red Sox to victory in his first game. His powerful left arm and commanding presence on the field made him a standout player, and it wasn't long before he became known as one of the best pitchers in the league. However, it was Ruth's transition from pitcher to outfielder and hitter that would solidify his place in baseball history, as he went on to become one of the greatest sluggers of all time, setting numerous records and earning a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
July 11, 1914

Read more about George Herman "Babe" RUTH

1914 - The Baseball World Series won by Boston Braves
In 1914, the Boston Braves achieved a remarkable victory in the World Series, a triumph that surprised many in the baseball world. Facing off against the heavily favored Philadelphia Athletics, the Braves mounted a stunning comeback after a lackluster start to the season. Led by manager George Stallings, who employed innovative strategies and fostered a strong team spirit, the Braves surged to win the National League pennant.

Entering the World Series as underdogs, the Braves continued their winning streak, dominating the series and sweeping the Athletics in four straight games. This victory marked the first World Series title for the Boston Braves franchise, sparking celebrations in Boston and solidifying the team's place in baseball history. The 1914 Braves' triumph is remembered as one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories in baseball, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.

1915 - The Baseball World Series won by Boston Red Sox
In 1915, the Boston Red Sox claimed victory in the World Series, cementing their place in baseball history. Led by manager Bill Carrigan, the Red Sox faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a best-of-seven series that showcased the team's talent and determination. The Red Sox, boasting a roster that included star players like Tris Speaker, Duffy Lewis, and Babe Ruth, demonstrated their prowess both offensively and defensively, dominating the Phillies with a combination of powerful hitting and solid pitching.

The series culminated in a four-game sweep by the Red Sox, with the final game played at Baker Bowl in Philadelphia. The Red Sox's triumph in the 1915 World Series marked their third championship win in four years, solidifying their reputation as one of the era's most formidable teams.

1916
Boston, a city of the United States, capital of Massachusetts and of Suffolk co., on a bay called Boston Harbor, which forms the inner bight of Massachusetts Bay, at the mouth of the Charles and Mystic rivers. Lat. 42° 21' 30" N.; Lon. 71° 3' 30" W. The original town stood upon a peninsula called by the Indians Shawmut, and by the settlers Tremont or Trimontaine, from the three sum mits of a conspicuous hill, which, though now much reduced, is still prominent and known as Beacon Hill. The city now includes the island of East Boston (Noddle's Island) and the peninsular suburbs of South Boston and Charlestown, besides the former towns of Dorchester, Roxbury (or Boston Highlands), West Roxbury, and Brighton, with their minor villages of Allston, Jamaica Plain, Neponsct, Mattapan, etc. The cities of Quincy, Newton, Cambridge, Somerville, and Chelsea are near suburbs, and there are many large towns (such as Milton, Dedham, Brookline, Watertown, and Ever ett) in close proximity. Great areas ... Read MORE...

1916 - The Baseball World Series won by Boston Red Sox
In 1916, the Boston Red Sox emerged victorious in the baseball World Series, solidifying their place in sports history. The series took place against the Brooklyn Robins (later known as the Dodgers), showcasing thrilling matchups that captivated fans. The Red Sox, led by their star pitcher Babe Ruth, dominated the series with their exceptional performance on both offense and defense.

The 1916 World Series was particularly notable for Ruth's pitching prowess, as he threw a 14-inning complete game victory in Game 2, which remains one of the longest pitching duels in World Series history. This victory, coupled with the team's overall strong performance, secured the championship for the Red Sox in five games.

1918 - The Baseball World Series won by Boston Red Sox
In 1918, amidst the backdrop of World War I, the Boston Red Sox claimed victory in the World Series, cementing their status as one of baseball's most formidable teams. Led by star pitcher Babe Ruth, who also contributed powerfully on the offensive side, the Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs in a dramatic six-game series. The games were hard-fought and intense, reflecting the spirit of the times as the nation grappled with the challenges of the war abroad.

The 1918 World Series was significant not only for its sporting achievements but also for its broader historical context. It was the last championship the Red Sox would win for 86 years, a period famously known as the "Curse of the Bambino," as Ruth was later traded to the New York Yankees, where he became a legendary figure. The 1918 victory also highlighted baseball's importance as a unifying force during times of national turmoil, providing a sense of normalcy and entertainment to a country deeply affected by the war.

1919 - The mayor of Boston refused to let the city's police form a union.
Around three fourths of the police force went on strike. Governor Calvin Coolidge had to send in the National Guard to end the strike.
http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

Read more about John Calvin COOLIDGE

1919 - DOZEN KILLED, 50 HURT, AS TANK OF MOLASSES BURST
The Great Boston Molasses Flood

DOZEN KILLED, 50 HURT, AS TANK OF MOLASSES BURST

Wreckage Covered with Sticky Stream of 2,000,000 Gallons.

3 FIREMEN BURIED.

Building Sucked Into Street by Receding Tide - Car Blown from Tracks.

BOSTON, Jan. 15. - Probably a dozen persons were killed and 50 injured by the explosion of a huge tank of molasses on the waterfront off Commercial street, today. Tonight the only bodies identified were those of a fireman, GEORGE LEAHY, and two residents of tenements in the vicinity, MRS. BRIDGET CLOUGHERTY and WILLIAM A. DURFEE. A large number of the injured were taken to the Relief hospital.

The tank was owned by the Purity Distilling company a subsidiary of the U. S. Industrial Alcohol company of Cambridge. Two million gallons of molasses rushed in a mighty stream over the streets and converted into a sticky mass the wreckage of several small buildings which had been smashed by the force of the explosion...

The molasses spread over the... Read MORE...

1920 - January 1 - Babe Ruth is traded by the Red Sox for $125,000, the largest sum ever paid for a player at that time.
On January 1, 1920, one of the most iconic trades in baseball history occurred when Babe Ruth was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees. The deal was monumental not just for the teams involved but also for the sport itself. Ruth, known for his incredible batting prowess, had already shown signs of becoming a legendary player, but few could have predicted the impact he would have on the game.

The trade marked a turning point for both franchises. For the Red Sox, it was a decision that would haunt them for years to come, as Ruth went on to become one of the greatest players in baseball history while wearing the pinstripes of the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Yankees were catapulted into a new era of success, with Ruth leading them to multiple championships and solidifying their place as one of the most dominant teams in the league. The $125,000 price tag was a record sum for a player at the time, but in hindsight, it was a bargain for the Yankees considering the immense... Read MORE...


Read more about George Herman "Babe" RUTH

1921 - September 15 - WBZ-AM in Boston MA begins radio transmissions
On September 15, 1921, WBZ-AM in Boston, Massachusetts, made history by beginning its radio transmissions. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of broadcasting, as WBZ became one of the earliest radio stations in the United States. Initially owned by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, WBZ started its journey as a pioneering radio station that would go on to play a crucial role in the development of radio broadcasting in New England and beyond.
historyorb.com

1924 - September 24 - Boston, Massachusetts opens its airport

On September 24, 1924, Boston, Massachusetts, marked a significant moment in aviation history by opening its first official airport, known today as Logan International Airport. This event was a milestone for Boston, as it provided a dedicated facility for air travel, which was rapidly growing in popularity and importance. The airport was initially named Boston Airport, and its opening was a testament to the city's embrace of modern transportation and its vision for the future.
historyorb.com

1925 - July 4 - 44 die when Dreyfus Hotel in Boston collapses
On July 4, 1925, tragedy struck in Boston when the Dreyfus Hotel collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 44 individuals. The hotel, located in the bustling downtown area, was a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The collapse occurred suddenly, trapping many inside the building and causing chaos in the surrounding area.

The event sent shockwaves through the city, leading to an outpouring of grief and a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. It was determined that structural issues were to blame, highlighting the importance of building safety regulations. The Dreyfus Hotel collapse served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by aging or poorly maintained structures, prompting efforts to improve building standards and ensure the safety of structures across the city and beyond.
historyorb.com
July 4, 1925

1928 - November 17 - Boston Garden officially opens
On November 17, 1928, Boston Garden, one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the United States, officially opened its doors. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the arena was designed by famed architect Tex Rickard, known for his work on Madison Square Garden in New York City. Boston Garden quickly became the home of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as a popular venue for concerts, circuses, and other events.

The opening of Boston Garden was a significant event for sports and entertainment in Boston and beyond. Its unique design, featuring a parquet floor for basketball and an ice rink for hockey, set it apart from other venues of the time. The arena's inaugural event featured a boxing match between reigning middleweight champion Tiger Flowers and challenger Harry Greb, drawing a large crowd and setting the stage for decades of memorable moments in sports and... Read MORE...

1930 - December 7 – The television station W1XAV in Boston, Massachusetts, broadcasts video and audio from the radio orchestra program The Fox Trappers.
This broadcast also includes the first television commercial in the United States, an advertisement for the I. J. Fox Furriers company which sponsored the telecast.
wikipedia.org
December 7, 1930

February 14, 1940 - A "Saint Valentine's Day Blizzard" hit the northeastern U.S. Up to a foot and a half of snow blanketed southern New England, and whole gales accompanied the heavy snow stranding many in downtown Boston.

WeatherForYou.com
February 14, 1940

1942 - November 28 - Cocoanut Grove fire: A fire in the Cocoanut Grove night club in Boston, Massachusetts, kills 491.
DEATH TOLL JUMPS TO 477 IN COCOANUT GROVE DISASTER. BOSTON HOLOCAUST ONE OF NATION'S WORST FIRES - MORE THAN 300 OF THE DEAD NOW IDENTIFIED.

Boston, Nov. 30 (AP) - A tiny match flame in the hands of a 16-year-old busboy touched off a lightning-like fire that snuffed out the lives of 477 Cocoanut Grove night club merrymakers and injured more than 200 - many seriously - in one of the nation's worst holocausts.

Deputy Police Supt. JAMES R. CLAFLIN quoted the youth, STANLEY F. TOMASZEWSKI, as saying that he accidentally ignited a paper palm tree that caused the terrific blaze which threw about 1000 persons into a fighting, clawing panic in efforts to reach safety.

The boy related, CLAFLIN said, that he was trying to replace an electric light bulb which had been unscrewed by a prankster in the recently opened Melody room of the club when the match flame brushed the flimsy palm and set off the devastating blaze.

The flames swept through the highly inflammable decorations as the... Read MORE...

1948 - June 9 - WBZ TV channel 4 in Boston, MA (NBC) begins broadcasting
On June 9, 1948, a significant milestone in broadcasting history was achieved with the launch of WBZ TV channel 4 in Boston, Massachusetts. This marked the beginning of regular television broadcasts in the area, bringing a new era of entertainment, news, and information into people's homes. As an NBC affiliate, WBZ TV channel 4 became a crucial part of the television network, providing a platform for national programming as well as local content.

The debut of WBZ TV channel 4 was a significant event not just for Boston, but for the television industry as a whole. It signaled the increasing popularity and influence of television as a medium, paving the way for the development of the broadcasting industry in the United States.
historyorb.com

1950 - January 17 - The Great Brinks Robbery - 11 men rob $1.2M cash & $1.5M securities from armored car company Brink's offices in Boston, Massachusetts
"The Great Brinks Robbery of 1950: Not Quite the Perfect Crime

The Great Brinks Robbery was the biggest armed robbery in U.S. history at the time. Thieves vanished after stealing $2.7 million, leaving few clues. It was almost the perfect crime. Almost.

It happened in 1950 at the Brinks Armored Car depot in Boston’s North End. The gang of 11 that stole the money after two years of meticulous planning almost got away with it. They failed because they fell out over the division of the spoils. Police arrested all of them five days before the statute of limitations ended.

The Brinks Robbery
The idea for the heist came from Joseph ‘Big Joe’ McGinniss, but career criminal Anthony ‘Fats’ Pino. McGinness masterminded the crime. Pino also recruited a gang to watch the depot for 18 months to figure out when it held the most money.

The gang stole plans for the depot’s alarm system, and then returned them undetected. They also removed the cylinders from locks, one by one, and had a... Read MORE...

1954 - First Kidney Transplant
First medically successful kidney transplant was performed in Boston

In 1954, a groundbreaking medical achievement took place in Boston, Massachusetts, with the first successful kidney transplant. The procedure, performed by a team of surgeons led by Dr. Joseph Murray at Brigham and Women's Hospital, marked a significant milestone in the field of organ transplantation. The recipient of the kidney was Richard Herrick, a 23-year-old man who was suffering from end-stage kidney disease. The donor was his identical twin brother, Ronald Herrick, making it an early example of a successful organ transplant between siblings.

The surgery lasted for several hours and was a complex and risky endeavor at the time, given the limited understanding of organ rejection and the lack of effective immunosuppressive drugs. However, the transplant was a resounding success, and Richard Herrick's body accepted the new kidney, allowing him to live for another eight years with functioning kidneys. ... Read MORE...

1963 - June 18 - 3,000 blacks boycott Boston public school
In June 1963, a significant event unfolded in Boston when around 3,000 African American students boycotted the city's public schools. The boycott was a powerful protest against racial segregation and inequality in the education system. African American communities in Boston had long endured discriminatory practices, including overcrowded and underfunded schools, as well as a lack of opportunities compared to their white counterparts.

The boycott was organized by the Boston chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and led by civil rights activists such as Ruth Batson and James Breeden. It aimed to highlight the urgent need for desegregation and equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their race. The boycott lasted for several days and drew attention to the racial tensions and injustices present in Boston, contributing to the broader civil rights movement sweeping across the United States during that era.
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June 18, 1963

1974 - Integration of Schools
Federal Court ordered integration of Boston schools; whites held boycotts and demonstrations against integrated busing program

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1976 - Boston was the first city in America to celebrate New Year's Eve with a "First Night" event.
In 1976, Boston made history by becoming the first city in America to celebrate New Year's Eve with a unique and innovative event called "First Night." This event was a revolutionary concept that aimed to provide a family-friendly and alcohol-free alternative to traditional New Year's Eve celebrations. First Night Boston featured a variety of cultural and artistic performances, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts, making it a vibrant and inclusive celebration for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The inaugural First Night celebration in Boston set a new standard for New Year's Eve festivities, inspiring other cities across the country to adopt similar "First Night" events. This pioneering initiative not only transformed the way New Year's Eve was celebrated in America but also highlighted Boston's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting community engagement and artistic expression.
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1987 - Construction began on "Big Dig" in Boston
The Big Dig in Boston was a massive and complex infrastructure project that aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation in the city. The project involved rerouting and redesigning a significant portion of Boston's highway system, including the Central Artery, which was an elevated highway running through the heart of the city. The goal was to replace the deteriorating elevated highway with an underground tunnel system, thereby improving traffic flow and reconnecting neighborhoods that had been divided by the elevated highway.

The Big Dig was one of the most expensive public works projects in U.S. history, with an estimated cost of over $14 billion. It faced numerous challenges, including engineering complexities, environmental concerns, and budget overruns. Despite these challenges, the project was ultimately completed, and the new tunnel system opened to traffic in 2003.

Boston, Massachusetts is the 4th windiest city in the U.S. with an average wind speed of 12.3 mph.

National Weather Service

2023 - There are so many places to go and things to do in Boston that it's hard to narrow it down, but here's a list of some must-visit spots and activities:
Freedom Trail: Start your visit with a stroll along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long path that takes you to 16 historically significant sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, and the Old North Church.

Fenway Park: If you're a baseball fan, catch a game at Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. Even if there's no game, you can take a tour of this iconic ballpark.

Museum of Fine Arts: Art enthusiasts will love the Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, including pieces by Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: This museum is a work of art itself. The collection includes European, Asian, and American art, displayed in a stunning Venetian-style palace.

Harvard University: Take a short trip across the river to Cambridge and visit Harvard University. You can explore the historic campus, visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History, or simply wander around Harvard... Read MORE...